Search - James Hall :: No Joy No Strength

And 1/2 stars, Minister Hall is BACK!

Peace Brotha | Ohio, United States | 08/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Thank God for Minister Hall and his special brand of ministry. It's been 5 years since his last project, so this set comes right on time.



This is a James Hall set through and through. It's more on the traditional side than past projects, but this is 95% of what you would expect. Melodies that stick with you and in your head for encouragement. Tight harmonies. The unique phrasing of the choral parts that so many others try to copy (the combo of the vibrato, alternating softness/loudness, and "forceful choppiness"). Choral direction beyond compare. And a band made up of many of the same musicians that have caused the other projects to shine so brightly. This is what we've been waiting for, folks.



The only reason that I deduct one half a star is because the soloists on this outing, while very good, are not quite up to the standard of the previous James Hall projects.



But that is the ONLY reason and it's a relatively small thing, in light of the quality of this set.



Of note: Minister James is one of the increasingly small number of artists who make simple, yet intelligent, gospel music. The music here is often repetitive but what they choose to repeat makes sense and is beneficial from a spiritual standpoint -- contrary to what you often hear on the radio.



Example: today, many other choirs repeat phrases like "can't fail," "no limit," and other half-phrases that make sense within context of the song, but out of context it doesn't make sense. Minister Hall's phrases that repeat are "The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength" and "Mercy endureth forever," just to name a couple. See the difference? Long after the song has stopped, that phrase can come back to mind, has meaning even outside of context, and can give inspiration.



When those phrases are backed by the gifts bestowed upon Minister Hall and the crew, you have a winning combination.



"Voices Of Citadel" belongs in any choral music collection as a prime and outstanding example of simple, yet intelligent and adventurous gospel music."